Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Epicureans » Doctrines propagated by, familiar to solomon
I told myself, "I will test you with pleasure, so enjoy yourself." But this was pointless. "Senseless," said I concerning laughter and pleasure, "How practical is this?" I decided to indulge in wine, while still remaining committed to wisdom. I also tried to indulge in foolishness, just enough to determine whether it was good for human beings under heaven given the short time of their lives. read more.
With respect to my extravagant works, I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself. I constructed gardens and orchards for myself, and within them I planted all kinds of fruit trees. I built for myself water reservoirs to irrigate forests that produce trees. I acquired male and female slaves, and had other slaves born in my house. I also acquired for myself increasing numbers of herds and flocks more than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem. I also accumulated silver, gold, and the wealth of kings and their kingdoms. I gathered around me both male and female singers, along with what delights a man all sorts of mistresses. So I became great, greater than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem. Throughout all of this, I remained wise. Whenever I wanted something I had seen, I never refused that desire. Instead, I enjoyed everything I did, and this became the reward in what I had undertaken.
With respect to my extravagant works, I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself. I constructed gardens and orchards for myself, and within them I planted all kinds of fruit trees. I built for myself water reservoirs to irrigate forests that produce trees. I acquired male and female slaves, and had other slaves born in my house. I also acquired for myself increasing numbers of herds and flocks more than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem. I also accumulated silver, gold, and the wealth of kings and their kingdoms. I gathered around me both male and female singers, along with what delights a man all sorts of mistresses. So I became great, greater than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem. Throughout all of this, I remained wise. Whenever I wanted something I had seen, I never refused that desire. Instead, I enjoyed everything I did, and this became the reward in what I had undertaken.
Joy » Earthly » Manifested in laughter
Even in laughter there may be heartache, and at the end of joy there may be grief.
Sorrow is better than laughter, because the heart is made better through trouble.
For as thorns burn to heat a pot, so also is the laughter of the fool even this is pointless.
Be miserable, mourn, and cry. Let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into gloom.
How terrible it will be for you who are full now, because you will be hungry! How terrible it will be for you who are laughing now, because you will mourn and cry!